34- The Unexpected Guest

                                        

                                              
“Let him in,” I said, my voice thick. I noticed the security guard from the security camera, letting Rithik pass the entrance. He was inside the building now. It was actually happening. 
My heart was in my mouth with each aching second that passed. I clutched my hands to my chest, watching the main door in anticipation. 
Fifty seconds, fifty-one seconds, fifty- three seconds... 
The door opened and his eyes met mine. 
A jolt of emotions surged through me. My breath caught in my throat. There Rithik was, in flesh and blood. His hair tousled, his brown eyes weary. He was in his familiar grey jacket I knew so well. Even if it was something I envisioned, never in my wildest dreams I thought Rithik would show up to my goddamn place several thousand miles away. 
“Natasha...” Just my name on his lips was enough to combust me into flames. A lump formed in my throat. He was so close and yet, I couldn't find my voice. It was too real, too fast. 
“Rithik,” I whispered, my tone soft. I had to make sense of this reality. I had to go out of my way to touch him. Feel his hand on mine. Feel his face. “I can't believe it... You are here...” 
“Didn't I say I'd surprise you? Well, here I am,” Rithik answered, smiling away. 
That did it. My tears rolled out before I could stop. Especially when I noticed his right arm and touched it. “Your arm- it's fine now. Your forehead, your right leg, too. You recovered.” My happiness knew no bounds. 
“Of course, babe. I wouldn't be bedridden forever. Though my arm still hurts at times. I've been advised not to do any strenuous activity.” 
“Oh, sorry,” I retracted my hand. I noticed Rithik staring at me as if searching something on my face. Before I knew it, he engulfed me in his arms. The smell of sandalwood and musk from his jacket hit me like a storm. His presence enveloped me like a quilt. It broke through my last bit of inhibition. I buried my face on his chest and hugged him back. We remained like that for a while. He was here. My man was here. 
“Aree baapre, itne mote aasu! (Oh my god, such fat tears!) Even when I came for you.” He let out a laugh when he noticed my face, though his eyes appeared glassy, too. He wiped my tears away while blinking quickly. 
“What to do? I missed you like hell. It's your damn fault!” I sniffed, my voice quivering. Fuck, I met him a minute ago and I was already an emotional wreck. So annoying and unbecoming of me. 
“You really are an idiot. Doing whatever you want,” He muttered, softly against my hair. Then squinted his eyes at me. “You think you can break up with me? Break us? Look how much you made us suffer.” 
“But I—” I started but my words were stolen by his tender lips on mine, melting me like butter. My fingers clutched his jacket as I kissed him back, welcoming his all too familiar taste and touch. It's like we weren't separated at all. Our lips parted a few seconds later only to hug each other again. I exhaled audibly. In my heart, I never wanted to let go of him ever. 
Someone cleared her throat, making Rithik and I divert our attention to the woman who might have witnessed it all. Shit, I forgot all about Kylie. I cringed, hiding my face on his jacket while Rithik turned elsewhere, mumbling an apology. 
“No worries, I went to my room and came back while you two were... engaged.” Kylie said, a smile threatening to leave her lips. “Sorry to disturb but I'm about to leave for office so I'm leaving the keys with you, Natasha. Go on. Continue with your reunion.”